Boston Scientific to spend $415M on Bayer division

NATICK, Mass. (AP) -- Boston Scientific will spend $415 million to buy the Bayer division that makes treatments for diseased blood vessels outside the heart.

The Natick company said Thursday that the deal will improve its access to the more than 27 million people worldwide who have coronary and peripheral vascular disease. Bayer Interventional has about 350 employees, and its products include the AngioJet Thrombectomy system and the Fetch 2 Aspiration Catheter, which remove blood clots from blocked arteries and veins.

Bayer says the sale will allow its health care unit to focus on growing its radiology and diabetes care segments.

Boston Scientific will fold the Bayer division into its Peripheral Interventions business. It expects to close the deal in the second half of the year.

Bayer recently announced a $14.2 billion deal to buy Merck & Co.'s consumer health business, which includes Claritin allergy pills and the Coppertone skin care line.

Shares of Boston Scientific climbed 9 cents to $12.88 in premarket trading.